Bus Drivers Union: We Need Action

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Inflation and the rising cost of living have jitney drivers calling for an increase in bus fares. They also want proper bus stops built.

Our Berthony McDermott picks up the story from here.

The Unified Bus Drivers Union (UBDU) is calling for swift action by Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby Davis as operators face multiple issues. Topping that list is an increase in bus fares as fuel prices rise.

Coleby-Davis previously said Cabinet will re-visit the issue by summer, but UBDU General Secretary Corvell Colebrooke says bus drivers can’t wait that long.

Colebrook says the last fare increase was in 2008, years before the implementation and subsequent increase in value-added tax (VAT) and the escalating prices in fuel.

Colebrooke says the last meeting with the minister was in early April, however, he stressed the wait time is unacceptable.

He provided gas receipts, which revealing three bus drivers paid, $57, $75, and $110 daily on diesel.

Colebrooke’s comments were echoed by bus drivers who say they’re barely making ends meet without a fare increase.